Can Do

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” Edward Everett Hale

Happy Monday!

I hope you had a lovely weekend! Looks like we’re finally getting a taste of summer in SoCal, so please be mindful of sunscreen and hydration. They’re both important to your health and wellbeing.

When my older daughter was in elementary school, I believe it was second grade, her teacher had the slogan Can Do, which she used to motivate the children throughout the school year. She even had a stuffed animal with the same name that they took turns caring for on the weekends. They learned that if they worked hard and did their best, they could accomplish anything they set their minds to, especially the more formidable challenges. It was a wonderful affirmation for the students, helping them overcome many obstacles as they learned to cooperate and take responsibility.

Today, I’d like to shift the Can Do ideal to include an aspect of giving that we sometimes overlook. You see, we don’t all have the resources to provide endlessly as we’d like. Nor do we always have the time to dedicate to a cause we believe is worthy of our support. However, we can still do something. 

Edward Everett Hale, descendant of Nathan Hale and an American author, minister, and historian, shared some thoughts about a willing attitude:

We can act on the issues we’re passionate about. Maybe we have a bit extra this month to donate to a cause. Perhaps we can set aside some time in our schedules to volunteer ~ whether that’s sitting with the elderly, reading to children in the hospital, helping out in a town clean-up campaign, or assisting with setup or tear-down at our place of worship. 

If we have a special gift or talent, we can utilize it to help others. What about cooking a meal for an overwhelmed single mom? How about helping to refresh a garden or giving someone’s room a new coat of paint if they’ve been sick? Maybe it’s as simple as taking the time to be with someone who needs a friend or a listening ear during a lonely time. There are many ways we can explore philanthropy without overburdening ourselves or others.

Here are some verses in Scripture to consider when thinking about doing something for another:

“Oxen and donkeys that carry heavy loads can stumble and fall, and be unable to get up by themselves. So as you walk along the road, help anyone who is trying to get an ox or donkey back on its feet.” Deuteronomy 22:4 (CEV)

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’” Romans 15:1 (MSG)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Galatians 6:2-3 (NKJV)

There are many options for us to do something to help our friends, relatives, and community. If we’re not comfortable going it alone, we can become involved with organizations that have a goal of lending assistance to those in need. Perhaps it’s a counseling center that needs volunteers to assist with non-clinical tasks. I volunteer at Worku Counseling and am available for both clinical and non-clinical needs. It brings me great joy to be involved with the community.

It could be your local YMCA or other similar organization. I know the YMCA of the Foothills is constantly doing philanthropic work, and I’m sure they’d welcome volunteers for specific programs or campaigns. The important thing is to reach out and see where we can help change the lives of others in positive ways.

This week, let’s adopt a Can Do attitude and find ways to use our gifts and talents while also supporting others. We might not have much money to spare or loads of extra time, but there is definitely space for us to exercise our philanthropic muscles. Any effort, big or small, makes a difference to someone else. After all, giving is a privilege and comes with its own rewards!

Be Well & Be Blessed!

Lucinda